NURSERY INSPECTION 31 



IMPORTED STOCK. 



In the matter of im])orted stock, it is surprisin.c to note that in 

 spite of the war, and all that it means to Belgium, the importations 

 of azaleas this fall (1915) have been nearly as extensive as in years 

 previous to 1914. The azaleas arriving from Belgium in large num- 

 bers have reached Minnesota in excellent condition, showing every 

 evidence of care in cultivation, digging, and packing. Cases of 

 imported stock, including azaleas and ornamentals, to the number 

 of 594 boxes, have l)een inspected to date, representing approxi- 

 mately 518,330 plants. 



The allies have placed a very effectual stopper on importations 

 from Germany, the Belgian and we believe also the Holland dealers 

 having to make affidavit that the stock to be shipped via the English 

 channel has been grown in one or the other of these two countries. 



Further, the amount in cash for which each azalea shipment 

 is sold has to be deposited in an English bank to remain there 

 until after the war. Quoting from a statement in "American 

 Fruits," when this is done, a "permit may be issued allowing free 

 passage for such shipment. According to a letter from a Dutch 

 firm of growers, after this became known, the Belgian Exporters' 

 Association was notified by the German authorities, who have pos- 

 session of that part of Belgium where these plants are grown, that 

 in the circumstances export would not be allowed." Yet, in spite 

 of this prohibitive decree. Minnesota has been receiving large con- 

 signments from Belgium as above noted. The 594 cases above 

 mentioned came from the following countries : From Belgium, 

 218 cases; from Holland, 279; from France, 65; Japan, 22; Ger- 

 many, 5 ; England, 5. 



^^> find that stock coming from Holland is, almost without 

 exception, free from insect pests and beautifully packed. This is 

 also true of azaleas shipped from Belgium. These latter plants 

 reach us in such fine shape and so free from insect pests that we 

 have adopted the plan of allowing the importer to unpack ship- 

 ments, keeping them together, and preserving all tags, records, 

 and numbers on boxes (burning packing), pending the arrival of 

 the inspector. This saves us additional trips to a distant locality 

 to examine small consignments arriving later than the main part 

 of the shipment. 



